Kamiposi celebrates one year as arts alternative

Published 7:45 pm, Monday, June 1, 2015

Scott and Elliott Lunson pose for a photo June 12, 2014 in the Kamiposi Gallery. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Scott and Elliott Lunson pose for a photo June 12, 2014 in the Kamiposi Gallery. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Photo: James Durbin

Kamiposi celebrates one year as arts alternative

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On Friday, the contemporary art gallery Kamiposi (it rhymes with “kamikaze”) will mark its one-year anniversary since opening at the corner of New York Avenue and Big Spring Street. In short time, the venue became the go-to for artists and musicians whose works might not be a fit anywhere else in Midland.

Since its opening, the venue has produced 13 art shows, more than 30 live music performances and varied offerings such as ArtPush’s “Losing It” cabaret and dance party as well as comedy and open mic nights, a vendor market and even classes in dance and art.

“I feel really great for sure and I can’t believe we been open for a year,” Scott Lunson said. “I have to say I feel really accomplished with Kamiposi. That’s the word for it.”

Scott Lunson runs the day-to-day affairs as well as books shows and handles the financials. But to say it’s a one-man show or even a two-man show with his brother, Elliott, would be incorrect.

Kamiposi has certainly been a family affair.

“My wife, Kasie, puts in so much work and is always there for the openings and doing the email lists and the do432 stuff. And Elliott and (wife) Amanda and my mom (Jane Becker) are always a big help,” Lunson said.

Kasie Lunson has begun do432 as a portal of social media for things to do in Midland and Odessa — most notably on Instagram. Many of Kamiposi’s events are posted there. It also doesn’t hurt that Elliott and Amanda Lunson and Becker are all art teachers.

“They know everybody,” Scott Lunson added.

In the beginning, both brothers were pulling together to open the gallery and venue and with big intentions. Not only did they want to create a space for modern art, but to add to the texture of Midland’s art scene. Or some might say, go against the grain of it.

Kamiposi’s offerings aren’t often considered the norm with art that features controversial imagery and music that is anything but country or folk.

“I think we’ve given people who wouldn’t have a place to show their art and Scott’s brought in bands from all over the country and even beyond,” Elliott Lunson said. “I think it’s enriched the art culture so much but also given people a hope or a goal that they can be heard too here.”

For Scott Lunson, Kamiposi goes beyond just being a gallery or venue or even a space for the art he likes.

Kamiposi is a concept.

“We were risking everything to make Kamiposi because we need music and art as any city does. It’s good for our soul,” he said. “But we’re open to anything at the gallery. We have complete openness to the community whether they are artists or visitors. People can express themselves here without any sort of censorship.”

As for the future, Scott Lunson is working on the venue’s official website, has plans for some building modifications and even an art magazine.

But for now, come Friday night, which is also Kamiposi’s montlhy First Fridays, the new show will open with works by both Lunson brothers, Becker, Daiken Asakawa, Mike Richardson and Dagan Sherman — and perhaps a cake with a lone candle on it.

First Friday One Year Anniversary Bash at Kamiposi, 510 S. Big Spring St. 6 p.m. facebook.com/kamiposi.